Page 7 of Merry Kissmas

I’m wearing a black power suit that I scored from Nature’s Edge six months ago.The same client who only uses Mancini Advertising for their ads but wanted a smaller marketing company to help with brand awareness.

On the elevator ride up to the top floor, I try to calm my nerves, reminding myself that Enzo Mancini called me, not the other way around.Plus, I’m not even sure I want to move to New York City.It’d be a drastic change from Portland, but at the same time, I’m young, and there’s something about the idea of living in a city filled with millions of people before I have a husband and a family.I want them eventually, I’m just not sure when.

The elevator doors slide open, and I’m presented with the word Mancini in big chrome lettering on the wall across from me and a huge Christmas tree on either side.Each one is decorated with what looks like homemade ornaments and small stockings with the names of who I assume are the employees.

I read up on the company after I got the call.Enzo and his wife, Annie, built this place from the ground up.Taken themselves from millionaires to billionaires no doubt.The way he showcases his family on his about page, praising his wife for her genius ideas to get the company where it is today, says a lot about the man he is.At least in digital form, but I always trust my gut when I meet someone.

It’s only steered me wrong once, and I chalk that up to a silly crush and a set of striking green eyes.

After the interview, I’ll grab my luggage from the hotel, change, and go to the airport to fly to Utah to spend Christmas with my family in a villa instead of my childhood home.Hopefully, the bitterness will shake off me before I land.

I approach the reception desk with a smile.The man seated there looks up from his computer with a welcoming smile as if I’m his long-lost friend and we’re being reunited.I know how he got his job.

“Welcome to Mancini Advertising.Brynn Russell, right?”He types on the keyboard and swivels back to look at me.“Mr.Mancini is just about done with his meeting before you.Can I get you a coffee or tea?Hot cocoa maybe?There are some homemade sugar cookies in the break room.”

He rises to his feet.I wasn’t expecting him to be so tall, and when I survey him, I notice that his pants are printed with Santas over a green fabric.

“Love the pants,” I say, liking the vibe of this office.It seems casual and fun.

He glances down and laughs.“Thanks.It’s our Christmas dinner tonight for the firm.My matching jacket is in the coat room.”

“I imagine you’ll be the best dressed one there.”

“Oh no.”He leans closer.“If you get hired, you’ll have to up your game from this black ensemble you got going on.I mean, it’s great for the interview, sharp and all.But we like bold around here.”

I’m suddenly second-guessing my decision to dress in black.Maybe it’s plain and boring.“I’ll remember that.Thanks.”

“So, can I get you something to drink while you wait?”

“No, thank you…” I realize I have no idea what his name is.

“Oh, sorry, Todd.”Voices sound from down the hall, and Todd turns his head in their direction.“Looks like you won’t be waiting long.And you get to see your competition.”His eyebrows rise.

As they get closer, I hear their voices better, and what I hear has me stiffening.Because the one voice is English and sounds really damn familiar.I look in the direction of the voices and spot Pierce walking toward me with Enzo Mancini.

“Great to meet you,” Pierce says, and my teeth grind together.

“I get that he’s good-looking, but chill, girl,” Todd whispers.“He’s married.”

“He is?”My head whips back in Todd’s direction.

“Girl, you really should’ve done your research.Happily married, and she’s probably going to be in the interview with him.”He shoots me a “get a clue” look, and it dawns on me that he thinks I’m talking about Enzo.

“No, I was talking about the other guy.”

Although Enzo has a hot dad vibe, it’s the man in a suit that has to be tailor-made for his body that has my attention.His broad shoulders and taut waist… God, I need to stop envisioning my hands pulling at the belt buckle while his lips are on me, his hands in my hair.My stomach feels light in my body, as if it could float away.

“He’s your competition.You want to sleep with the competition?I don’t suggest it.”

I watch the way Pierce interacts with Enzo, as though they’re old drinking buddies swapping memories of their wild times together.Not like an interviewer and interviewee.

Pushing past all the lust threatening to take control of my brain and set me on a path that has nothing to do with my interview, I turn my attention back to Todd.“Do they know one another?”

Todd narrows his eyes a bit.“Why would he be here for an interview if they did?”

Okay, Todd, no need to be snarky, although he has a point.

The two men continue to talk, Enzo putting his hand out for Pierce to shake.Pierce’s hand slides out of his pocket, not too eager, but not too lackadaisical either.He slips it into Enzo’s hold without breaking eye contact.Is the man ever nervous?He has the same graceful ease he’s always had.Just like the way he would stroll into the lecture hall and fold himself into the chair in the corner of the first row while Professor Jorgensen conducted his lecture.

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